Surfin' Saturday...Disney Style!

Reeves and Mickey, circa 2006

Just so you know, this blog is about to be hijacked by a bunch of crazy Disney fanatics! Consider this your only warning and apology. That means: no complaining about the content of my posts in the coming days!

From here on out, it's all mouse, all the time!

Tomorrow, we travel (via Honda Odyssey) to the most magical place on Earth....we couldn't be more excited! I promise to come up with some clever posts, and will try to have one really cool photo each day. I'm even thinking about posting itinerary tips and tricks. If you have a Disney trip planned anytime in the near future, it would behoove (is that a real word? I mean seriously?) you to check back here frequently this week (hey, and feel free to vote for me every time you stop by, ahem).

So, in honor of our forthcoming journey, here are a few links that have helped me in my planning (you knew I'd plan our every moment....right?). Most of the time, I am not a big fan of the detailed itinerary. But, when it comes to Disney, well, you can't be too organized obnoxious.

First and foremost: my one stop, cover all the bases, most wonderful site EVER created when it comes to Disney planning?

   

Meet Mike! 

V.I.P. tourguide, Mike Howell, has just about the greatest website on the planet when it comes to planning the ultimate WDW vacation. It takes a while to navigate the site, so sign up as soon as you book your trip.....it's the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend! This will be our 2nd Tourguide Mike trip, and we are even more excited this time (cause we know it actually works)!!!!

A few other great links....

All Ears Net is a wonderful source with tons of details about just about everything Disney. I love all the pictures and lists (of rides, restaurants, hotel rooms, you name it). Hundreds of reviews from other travelers, too. This site is a must see....especially if you are a first-timer!

Mouse Savers has some great money saving tips. Check this one out before you book a thing! It'll save you hundreds of dollars....trust me! This is the place to find all those discount codes everyone is always talking about.

Twitter much? There are lots of official and unofficial WDW tweeters out there. I can't tell you how many cool twips tips I've gotten by following this tweep....

And, if I may, I must make one personal recommendation! My precious friend, GranJan (well, Janice to me, but Lucy insists that she is "just GRANJAN"!) has done SO much to make me even MORE excited about this Disney Vacation.  First there was this, then she made the kids these awesome autograph books (which they haven't seen yet, so don't blow my cover), and to make things even crazier???

Do you know what she did? She brought over a gigantic gift bag full of wrapped goodies (individual ones for each kiddo) for them to open up every 100 Miles!!! It's gonna be like "Christmas Roadtrip"! Can you believe that? I even think I saw a couple in there for me and C!

I promised her I would tweet as we open them....great Sunday entertainment! If you don't already, you should follow me to get in on the fun. I think I am more excited about it than they are (well, maybe not).

Happy Surfin'!

Lucy, circa 2005

Surfin' Saturday: Mother's Day Edition!

Cause some things are too good not to share!

I've been doing a few Motherhood related posts this week, so I thought it would only be fitting to do a Mother's Day version of Surfin' Saturday.  Sound good to you?

I know I said that I don't approve of the whole "Mommy Judgement" thing, but I did say that I like some helpful advice every now and again.  Here are a few things that have made a big impact on my mothering....

This book single-handedly saved my life when Lucy was a baby.  Wish I had listened when my friend Ellen recommended it the first go 'round!  It is just about the greatest book ever written (well, besides the best book ever written)!  By the time I had Greer, the principles of this book came like second nature, and she is my easiest baby yet!  There is even a website devoted to it's principles.  Chat, discuss, learn more....Tracy Hogg (I'm hoping she's dancing with angels ) was so brilliant!

Love, love, love this idea from sweet Angie.  What a challenge to all of us!  I did it a few months ago, and want to do it again soon.....

As the years have gone by, I've needed a bit of help in the discipline department.  The principles of this book were super effective for us, and the principles of this book have helped me understand what makes me my kids tick.  Great picks for your Summer reading list!!!  Promise!

Ever thought about making your own babyfood?  I never really considered it till I had Greer, and I want you to know how easy, fun, and rewarding it was.  I promise!  If I can do it, you can too!  This site helped me immensely!  Once you try it, let me know how it goes!  And, for what's it's worth, Greer will eat just. about. anything!

Do you have any great links to share (especially related to being a better Mommy)?

I'd love to hear from you!

Surfin' Saturday

Cause some things are just too good not to share!

A few months ago, I was searching for some stamped jewelry to give my friend Amy for her birthday.  When I found this piece, I knew it was just right.  I love the freshwater pearl and the engraved discs for each of my babies.  I ordered one for my friend (2 discs), and one for myself (3 discs), and when I finally found out that Rachel had a baby boy, I ordered one for her.  I think they are beautiful, and my kids love that I wear their names close to my heart.  One disc for each of my kiddos, and that freshwater pearl reminds me of my sweet baby in heaven....  

Lucy and I have been reading the stories from all of the Compassion Bloggers this week.  Please be in prayer for them as they travel home tomorrow, and when you have the time, please read some of their posts.  They will inspire you to change and move you to tears.  We have committed to sponsor a child, and we can't wait till our sponsorship packet comes in the mail.  Lucy chose a little girl who is close to her age and she said she is going to write and pray for her "EVERY single day!"  Love that 5 year old commitment (and praying it lasts)!

This month's Times are Tight Giveaway was a huge hit thanks to all of you (my faithful, loving, fashion-forward blogmies)!  If you haven't been here in a couple of days, here's what you missed.  Check out Nat's site.....you'll find just the right Mother's Day/Graduation/Wedding/Teacher/You Name It Gift!  

Got any great links this weekend?  I'd love to see 'em.....leave a comment with your linky love!

Surfin' Saturday

Cause some things are just too good not to share!

When I put up my "What's in a Name?" post the other day, I totally forgot to link you to this little snippet of goodness.  It's a really cool article about David Wilcox, and it even has a little video where he plays a bit from his new song "Beyond Belief" (oh, and he talks a bit about his mission for making music).  Very Cool.  Did I mention how much I love his stuff?

Don't you just love my new blog design?  Wish I could take the credit, but I must give credit where credit is due!  Danielle is just about the sweetest, most fabulous blog designer ever, and you could be a cool kid like me in no time!  That's right, Danielle is giving away a blog makeover to one lucky winner.  And if I win it, well, I'M gonna give it away (sorry, mine's not up for grabs....I have a very special person in mind already)!

Yesterday on my birthmark email group, we had a little discussion about sunscreen.  I know that most of my readers don't have a birthmark like Greer, but we all need good protection from the sun.  When I asked Dr. T what we should be putting on Greer (at our very first visit last year), her answer was an emphatic Blue Lizard Baby!  

Remember, the rule about not putting sunscreen on a baby under 6 months of age no longer holds true (as long as you use a chemical free, baby formula like Blue Lizard Baby).  It is much safer for you to put this cream on that baby than to let them burn.  A little goes a long way with this stuff, it's effective immediately, and that 9 ounce bottle will probably last you an entire Summer.  

Speaking of fun in the sun, wanna know what we bought today?  These are our must have summer shoes, and neither of my girls had a pair that fit them anymore.  Yesterday I bought theirs at a local kid's shoe store for $30/pair, but just saw that Kelly's Kids has them for $28.  I promise you, these are the greatest all purpose sandals in the entire world!!!  Dressy enough for church, but functional enough for the playground.  A must have for every little girl down here in Dixie.  (Hey, they're even cool enough for Suri!) I am serious friends, trust me on this one.  These are the best sandals ever invented!

Surfin' Saturday

Cause some things are just too good not to share!

While I was pokin' around trying to find some stuff for my baby nephew, Henry, I found a new seller had come to one of my most favorite websites!  There is a huge sale on these 

Tony Tierney outfits....and they are cah-Ute!

Reeves Chris is currently obsessed with the games on this site.  Looking for more great sites for kids?  Shannon compiled a whole list of them for us!  Click on this cute button for the link...

This post from Amber really spoke to me.  I love her raw honesty and the way she always seems to write exactly what I'm thinking.  We have gotten to know each other a little bit (she grew up in Alabama and is a Rick and Bubba fan), and she is the real deal.  Love you girl!

If you live 'round here, I'd love for you to join us at church tomorrow!  It's sure to blow you away.....it sure has blown us away!

Chew on those for now....promise to have some more

cool links next week!  

Happy Saturday!